A video wall allows you to display content on multiple displays for anyone viewing your digital signage. Ultimately, whenever multiple screens are positioned together to show coordinated content, we refer to this setup as a video wall.
Please Note:
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Linked below are 6 ‘standard’ channel templates using full-screen zones that you can download and then import into your Carousel Cloud site. The names of the channels and zones can be modified when you import the channel into your Carousel Cloud site.
The templates linked below are not compatible with the BrightSign Player Synchronization option since ‘simple’ channels are required in that use case. ‘Simple’ channels are explained in more detail in this article: BrightSign Player Synchronization.
When using a single ‘standard’ channel, as explained below in the downstream processing or multi-output BrightSign sections, please note that Carousel Cloud will only transition one zone within a channel layout at a time. If you need content to transition at the same time, you should instead use a larger zone with templated content that rotates together.
If you have specific questions about what kind of hardware to purchase, since we ourselves are not video wall experts, please work with your systems integrator or Carousel Cloud reseller to choose appropriate devices for your video wall digital signage requirements.
There are several notes and pointers at the end of appropriately linked articles. It is highly recommended that you read through those as well for the best experience.
Video Wall Options Overview
There are 3 options you can implement to create video walls using Carousel Cloud. Each has its own pros and cons for both setup and use.
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Multi-Output BrightSigns (Such as the XT2145 or XC4055) - Using a single high-powered BrightSign model with multiple HDMI outputs connected to each portion of the video wall.
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Pros
Reduces overall system complexity by utilizing a single player endpoint
Uses a single ‘standard' Carousel Cloud channel, so no additional content slicing is required
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Cons
Supports only a limited number of connected displays, based on the number of video outputs of the BrightSign player you are using
Single device point of failure
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BrightSign Player Synchronization - This option uses multiple BrightSign players that each display a specific portion of the video wall.
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Pros
Scalable to a large number of screens, only limited by the number of BrightSign players you use
Each portion of the video wall gets maximum video processing power from the individual BrightSign player being used to drive it
Useful for non-traditional video walls where the displays are not physically located side-by-side, but you want to synchronize content on screens in the same area
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Cons
Requires multiple BrightSign players and multiple ‘simple’ Carousel Cloud channels
As noted here, this option has content limitations and requires you to use ‘simple’ channels with single-zone layouts that only support uploaded images, uploaded videos, and templated bulletins
The content you use will need to be pre-sliced (cut into segments for each BrightSign player to display) and assigned to each ‘simple’ zone/channel for each portion of the video wall
This option requires both wired ethernet networking, and also matching BrightSign model families in order to function
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Downstream Processing - Typically, downstream processing involves a video processor, which is a separate video appliance that you feed with the output of a Carousel Cloud player. It’s designed to slice the incoming video signal into outgoing signals for each connected display. Additionally, downstream processing functionality could be a feature of the specific display/s you are using that could be used to daisy-chain outputs for each display in your video wall.
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Pros
Can be used with any supported player type in Carousel Cloud
Can easily scale to a large number of displays, depending on the video processor or display hardware you choose to use
Uses a single player endpoint
Uses a single ‘standard’ Carousel Cloud channel, so no additional content slicing is required
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Cons
Adds additional cost and system complexity when using a video processor
If using the daisy-chain option, it will require specific hardware and features of the displays you are going to use
This option requires additional configuration to be completed outside of Carsouel Cloud
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Video Wall Setup Instructions
Multi-Output BrightSigns
Complete all steps outlined in Carousel Cloud Player Setup for BrightSign, which also requires setting the number and layout of the multiple outputs for compatible players, as explained at the bottom of the support article linked in this step
BrightSign Player Synchronization
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Complete all steps outlined in the BrightSign Player Sync in Carousel Cloud article, plus the following:
Creating ‘simple’ channels
Creating a ‘Player Sync Group’ and assigning players
Downstream Processing
Note: This video wall process is primarily completed outside of Carousel Cloud, so limited Carousel Cloud support is available
Follow the documentation for the downstream processing hardware units and related software
Complete all steps for setting up, activating, and displaying your content with your preferred player in Carousel Cloud